Evergreen trees retain foliage year-round, offering consistent color and structure to any landscape. The cost of acquiring one of these trees can vary significantly, starting from a few dollars for a tiny seedling and escalating to thousands for a mature specimen. Understanding the factors that influence this price, from the tree’s physical characteristics to the method of purchase and installation, is necessary for budgeting a planting project.
Key Factors Influencing Evergreen Tree Price
The initial price of an evergreen is largely determined by its size, species, and the way its roots are prepared for sale. Larger trees command a higher price because they require years of cultivation and greater resources to harvest and transport. Height is the most obvious measurement, but for larger specimens, the caliper—the diameter of the trunk measured six inches above the ground—is often the official pricing standard.
The root structure is a primary cost differentiator, categorizing trees into three main purchasing formats. Bare root trees are the least expensive option, as they are sold dormant with all soil washed away, making them lightweight and ideal for planting in bulk. Container-grown trees represent the middle tier, cultivated in plastic pots with a growing medium, which allows them to be planted year-round. The most expensive format is balled and burlapped (B&B), where a large root ball is dug from the ground and wrapped in burlap and a wire basket, reserved for larger, mature trees.
Tree species also contributes to the final price. Common, fast-growing varieties like Leyland Cypress or Green Giant Arborvitae are less costly due to their quick production cycle. Conversely, specialty evergreens like certain cultivars of Japanese Cedar or mature Blue Spruce, which take longer to reach a marketable size, carry a higher price tag.
Cost Breakdown by Purchase Method
The vendor chosen to purchase an evergreen tree directly impacts both the price and the quality of the plant stock. Big box stores and mass retailers offer the most economical prices, typically stocking smaller, container-grown evergreens. A three to six-foot evergreen at one of these stores might cost between $30 and $150, but the selection is often limited to the most popular and easily shipped varieties.
Local nurseries and independent garden centers generally price their trees higher, reflecting better quality control, regional expertise, and superior care provided. These venues typically offer a wider range of species, including both container and B&B stock, often with a health guarantee. A six to ten-foot evergreen purchased from a local nursery can range from $100 to over $500, depending on the species and root preparation.
For the lowest-cost entry point, online mail-order suppliers and wholesale growers specialize in bare root seedlings, often sold in bundles. These tiny trees, typically under two feet tall, can cost as little as $5 to $15 per seedling, especially when purchased in large quantities for reforestation or windbreaks. While this method requires the longest wait for a mature tree, it provides significant cost savings.
Professional Planting and Installation Costs
The cost of the tree itself is often only part of the overall expense, as professional planting and installation adds a substantial labor fee. Professional planting is usually priced either as a flat fee per tree or based on an hourly landscaping rate, which typically falls between $50 and $150 per hour. For small, container-grown trees, the installation can be relatively quick, sometimes taking just one to two hours.
The size and root preparation of the tree are the primary determinants of the installation price. Planting a small to medium-sized tree, roughly six to eight feet tall, typically costs between $150 and $500 for professional service, covering labor for digging, placement, backfilling, and initial watering. Moving and planting large Balled and Burlapped (B&B) evergreens involves specialized equipment, such as tree spades or skid steers, which significantly increases the logistics and labor costs.
The installation cost for a very large specimen—one that is twenty feet tall or more—can easily range from $500 to upwards of $5,000, sometimes exceeding the original cost of the tree itself. Reputable planting services often include soil amendments, staking for stability, and a one-year replacement warranty, which justifies the higher labor investment for a tree’s long-term success.